The Ecclesiastical History is the primary historical source of the Christian Church in the pre-Constantinian era. The History narrates the nature and work of Christ, the highlights of the apostolic age and the advancement of the Christian Church in the Roman Empire up to the principate of Constantine. Investigating the Ecclesiastical History using a quantitative method reveals Eusebius' preoccupation with the office of the bishop. There is almost no subject that Eusebius addresses that does not reflect his portrayal of the bishop's influence and universal presence. This thesis demonstrates the high status and undisputed authority of the episcopate as presented by Eusebius of Caesarea. The research of this thesis contributes to an understanding of the bishop in Roman society before Imperial favour.

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Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 1999